Kansas City Speeding Accident Lawyer

Speeding is one of the leading causes of serious car accidents in Kansas City, and the injuries that follow are rarely minor.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash caused by a speeding driver, you may have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Missouri and Kansas both allow injured victims to file personal injury claims against at-fault drivers, but the rules and deadlines that apply depend on where the crash occurred and how fault is assigned.

Our Kansas City car accident lawyers at Wendt Law Firm offer free consultations to injured victims across the metro area. Call (816) 531-4415 or contact us online, and learn more about our firm before you take your next step.

How Speeding Causes Serious Accidents

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MDOT) reports that excessive speed is a factor in about 36% of traffic fatalities, and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) reported 79 deaths and 2,085 serious injuries from speed-related accidents in 2023 alone. KDOT notes that when a vehicle is traveling over 50 mph, each additional 10 mph doubles the risk of serious injury or death in a crash.

Speeding often leads to rear-end car accidents, rollovers, and other loss-of-control accidents. Speeding accidents tend to be more severe because:

• Higher impact forces increase the likelihood of traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and broken bones
• Vehicles traveling at excessive speeds take longer to stop, making evasive action nearly impossible
• Rollover crashes become significantly more likely when a speeding driver loses control

Common Injuries in Speeding Accident Cases

The speed of a crash directly affects the severity of injuries. Collisions involving excessive speed regularly result in conditions requiring surgery, extended rehabilitation, or permanent limitations. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries to the neck and back

Some injuries are not immediately apparent. Adrenaline can mask pain, and conditions like internal bleeding or delayed concussion symptoms may not surface for hours or days. Getting a full medical evaluation as soon as possible protects both your health and your claim.

Missouri and Kansas Car Accident Laws

Fault-Based or No-Fault

Missouri is a fault-based state, meaning injured drivers can file a claim directly against the at-fault driver’s insurance to seek coverage. Kansas operates under a modified no-fault system, which means drivers injured in a crash must first seek compensation through their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, required under Kansas Statutes § 40-3107, regardless of who caused the accident.

Kansas drivers can step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver only if their injuries meet a defined severity threshold, such as requiring medical expenses exceeding $2,000 or resulting in permanent injury, disfigurement, or death. Anyone injured near the Missouri-Kansas state line needs an attorney who understands how to determine which state’s rules apply, because that choice shapes every aspect of the claim.

Shared Fault and Deadlines

Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system under well-established case law, meaning your compensation is reduced by your share of fault but not eliminated if you were partially to blame. Kansas applies a modified comparative fault rule under Kansas Statutes § 60-258a, which bars recovery if you are found 50% or more at fault.

Missouri gives victims five years to file under Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120, while Kansas sets that window at two years under Kansas Statutes § 60-513.

How Speeding Is Proven in a Car Accident Claim

A speeding driver does not have to receive a ticket for liability to be established. Evidence used to prove excessive speed includes black box (event data recorder) data pulled from the at-fault vehicle, surveillance and traffic camera footage, skid mark analysis, accident reconstruction, witness statements, and police reports noting road and weather conditions.

In cases where the at-fault driver disputes speed, expert reconstruction specialists can calculate the vehicle’s velocity at impact using physical evidence. Medical records and crash severity can also support the argument that speed was a contributing factor. At Wendt Law Firm, we work with trusted investigators and reconstruction professionals to build the strongest possible case for our clients.

Why Kansas City Families Trust Wendt Law Firm

Our founding attorney, Samuel Wendt, has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Super Lawyers in Kansas City, a distinction reflecting our firm’s record in personal injury cases across Missouri and Kansas. We have secured significant verdicts and settlements for injured clients, which you can review on our case results page. When you work with us, you are not handed off or left without answers. We handle speeding accident cases on a contingency basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you, though certain litigation costs may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Speeding Accident Claims in Kansas City

What If the Speeding Driver Did Not Receive a Ticket?

A citation is helpful but not required. Other evidence can prove a car accident claim besides a criminal infraction. Physical evidence, witness accounts, and accident reconstruction can often establish speeding without a ticket.

How Long Does a Speeding Accident Case Take to Resolve?

Most cases settle before trial, but the timeline depends on injury severity, how clearly liability can be established, and whether the insurer disputes the claim. Some claims settle in a few months, while those involving serious injuries or disputes can take longer than a year.

Speak With a Kansas City Speeding Accident Lawyer Today

A speeding driver made a choice that changed your life. At Wendt Law Firm, we are here to make sure that choice has consequences. Our team has the record to take on insurance companies and fight for what you deserve. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today or call (816) 531-4415.